Empower Series featuring Jonalyn Forman

I am empowered when I am running. There is nothing but the pavement and me. I love the cadence and sound of my feet hitting the earth, the sounds of the traffic or rushing river or birds in the sky. I can breathe deeply. I couldn’t always do that.

I lived a good part of my life not being empowered. I was in an abusive relationship for the better part of my adult life. I did not own my power. I was living in fear. At the end of 2011, I had two major life events. I was in a bad car accident that was followed quickly by a life-threatening pulmonary embolism. I spent 3 months on oxygen and painkillers, 7 months on blood thinners, and a year in therapy. I was terrified and felt helpless. As I regained my mobility, and as a means to help myself heal, I started running and practicing yoga. I gained strength, self-confidence, and began to feel empowered. I re-evaluated where I was at in my life and changed my priorities. I gained the courage to leave the abusive relationship and branch out on my own (not easy as a mother of 5 kids). Today, I am happy, healthy, and empowered. I have run 3 half marathons, am currently attending yoga teacher training, and am in control of my thoughts, my emotions, and my life.